Hit-Run Driver Could Face Manslaughter Charges

By Liz Goff

A Corona man arrested in the April 1 hit-run death of a bicyclist in Sunnyside will likely also face vehicular manslaughter charges, authorities said.

Cops said Cristian Guiracocha, 36, was behind the wheel of a red, 2002 Ford Escort traveling east on 39th Street in Sunnyside at about 3 a.m. on April 1, when the car struck and killed bicyclist Gelasio Reyes, 32, who was riding east on 43rd Street at the time of the crash.

Reyes, a father of three young children, was thrown to the ground by the impact and struck his head on the pavement, police said. The Corona resident suffered fatal head injuries and was pronounced dead on arrival at Elmhurst Hospital Center.

Police said Guiracocha fled the scene following the crash. Police found Guiracocha in the Escort, with a broken windshield and a smashed bumper, at about 7 a.m. near Brian’s Auto Shop in Woodside, with the keys in the ignition.

Cops said Guiracocha’s driver’s license was revoked at least twice. He is likely to face additional charges of vehicular manslaughter, authorities said.

Guiracocha was arrested and charged with DWI, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and refusing to take a Breathalyzer test. He is also likely to face additional charges of vehicular manslaughter, authorities said. He was held in lieu of $100,000 bail at his arraignment at Queens Criminal Court.